Mackay Manufacturing Hub drives jobs and economic growth

Manufacturers in Mackay are reaping the rewards of Queensland Government initiatives, with nearly $500,000 awarded in grants to local businesses, which has gone on to create and support nearly 270 jobs.

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher released the numbers on day one of Australian Manufacturing Week, highlighting that the Mackay Manufacturing Hub has contributed significantly to the local economy.

“Mackay Manufacturing Hub staff have made nearly 100 visits to businesses in the region, helping guide and support their teams to adopt advanced manufacturing technology and practices, and connect with peers in the local area to foster growth and develop a collaborative regional network.

“The hub staff are experts and their expertise is there to help local manufacturers grow their business, create jobs, capture more customers and develop leading edge processes and efficiencies within their business.

“Manufacturing already contributes $20 billion a year, to the state’s economy and we want to see that build even further,” Mr Butcher said.

Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said the booming industry is going from strength to strength, thanks to the Queensland Government and Mackay Manufacturing Hub, which has been open for less than one year.

“I’m really proud of the local businesses who are taking advantage of he Manufacturing Hub and associated manufacturing grants.

“Half a million dollars and 270 jobs means so much to the Mackay economy and I have no doubt the new technologies and techniques the hubs are introducing will go a long way toward making Queensland the leading manufacturing state in Australia,” Ms Gilbert said.  

Mackay Manufacturing Hub Manager Deb Allan said the past eight months since the Hub launched had been a busy time getting to understand what each local manufacturer needed and how best to meet those needs.

“We’re a support service, with a clear focus on helping manufacturers modernise, guiding them using our own experience and expertise and connecting them with other leaders as well as possible funding help,” she said.

“These successes so far are just the beginning. Bringing so much manufacturing work to the region, helping the sector thrive, this is all part of building Queensland as the home of manufacturing in Australia.”

Demonstrating the Palaszczuk Government’s strong commitment to manufacturing, the Queensland Manufacturing Hubs received permanent funding, to the tune of $17 million so they can continue to support regional manufacturers to grow their businesses and create local jobs.

“The Hubs are bringing together stakeholders to collaborate and grow regional manufacturing,” Mr Butcher said.

“Building local businesses, strengthening their capacity and capability helps local economies by delivering long-term, local jobs,” Mr Butcher said.

More than $54 million has been awarded through Queensland Manufacturing Hub and Made in Queensland Grants, creating or supporting more than 5,500 jobs.

“Our government is focused on delivering critical support to regional manufacturers, after the COVID-19 pandemic, to make sure they have the tools they need to grow and thrive,” Mr Butcher said.

“Australian companies are increasingly looking to local manufacturers to step up and fill gaps exposed in supply chains, so it’s fantastic to see these manufacturing businesses in regional Queensland build and grow, to meet demand.”

ENDS

Emilia Hutchinson - 0437 060 435